Ethan, Brenda, Jonah, & I headed off to Umtanum Canyon on this sunny, cool, breezy day.  We figured it was a good day to be out of the house.  We walked almost to the second crossing and then climbed up to our usual lunch spot atop the buttress.  We probably stayed an hour and a half before heading back.  There was lots of yellow, especially in the willows and aspen suckers, but the aspens still have a few years to go before they're like real trees.  We saw lots of raptors, but no other wildlife and no other hikers.  Since the fire, this is not the fall color hike it used to be, but it's still pretty nice.  The Yakima Canyon, on the other hand, was stunning. 

Well I am about a month late in posting this report, but I want the Scouts in Troop 498-Renton, WA to get some credit for maintaining this trail again this year. We continued the work we started last year in the fall and removed additional fallen trees and overgrown vegetation. The first creek crossing is in need and deserving of a more substantial bridge, which I will likely be working with BLM/WSFW on planing. The vegetation has likely dried out significantly over the last month, so it's probably not as lush as it was. The Scouts really enjoy an overnight at the open field about 1.5 miles up the trail. There are a number of opportunities for excursions once camp is set. We may push further next year and clear the trail further.

JP-SM T498

After setting up camp at Big Pines CG in Yakima Canyon, we had time for a short meander in Umtanum Canyon. We went only to the first creek crossing. It was 4:30 when we arrived at the TH on this very hot day and we saw only one other hiker and his dog who arrived the same time as we did.Yellow desert parsley, whitetop, lupine, yarrow, a purple mustard, yellow mustard and apple blossoms were the only flowers seen and, except for whitetop, they were very few in number. Several yellow-dumped warblers and a few turkey vultures were the only birds seen or heard. A few people were camped at the CG. 

We had camped the night before this hike so broke camp and headed out as the winds were building.  Skies were clear and temps were cool as they had been down to about 40 degrees or lower during the night.  Camp coffee is always helpful to get you going.  Note:  this trail is for fans of Basalt, columns in particular.

This trail is well marked in the beginning but you need to pay attention as you continue into the canyon because there are many diversions.  But it’s difficult to get lost as most trails lead to the same place and you’re kind of surrounded by walls and a large creek to one side.  The 2 creek crossings on our way to the end were ok to navigate stepping over logs on both.  Poles, sure footing, and balance were helpful to not get wet or twist an ankle.  Worst case scenario is you get your feet wet.  There were brushy areas on the trail and I spotted some poison ivy so was mindful not to touch it or anything that could have touched it.  Best to wear long pants through here for many risky things like ticks, poison ivy, and snakes (in my opinion).

Plan was to get to the end which was just under 3 miles and close to a wall of Basalt.  I was accompanied by a “basalt hugger” who was thrilled to see this area.  The trail does get difficult and brushy after this point.  There were a variety of windflowers spotted mostly in areas of relative moisture, along with groves of Aspen which were a delight to see in this unique area.  Also this trail is basically flat but still can feel sloggish when it gets warm as it did at the end on our way out, especially in gortex boots.

However….I was happy to have the long pants and boots after hearing (not seeing) 2 Rattlesnakes along the trail on the way out.  One was about 1 mile from the beginning and the other was close to the trailhead.  Both long vibrating, hissing sounds came from a pile of dried branches on the sides of the trail.  Yikes!  I’m sure the locals are used to this and careful.  I was excited to hear them but glad to not encounter a bite.

Awesome, unique hike in nature with a ton of solitude.  I would definitely go back.

Great day in Umtanum Canyon!

Balsamroot and lupine are at peak.

We turned around after about two miles as it was overgrown.

Before that there is a creek crossing- rocks are super slippery, also a log option.

There are a couple of blowdowns to step over/under but not too big of a deal.

We saw two rattlesnakes and one gopher snake so stay alert for that. Passed them without incident but were very careful!